MotoGP Netherlands Assen J1, Marc Marquez (Ducati/6): “Pecco Bagnaia is two steps ahead”

A somewhat strange day for Marc Marquez at Assen. On a circuit that he often had difficulty taming, he did not finish at the front, but still managed to escape a passage to Q1 as he suffered several in the last rounds. On the other hand, it is not the first Desmosedici GP23, because it is preceded by… its brother! It's rare, but we must not forget Alex's talent. In the meantime, the future official Ducati rider is very happy.

During sessions marked by rescues of which only he has the secret, Marc Marquez became familiar with the Dutch track, which he attacked for the first time with a Ducati. “I was into it straight away, like we’d never had a break.” In the afternoon, it was more complicated” he admitted in the columns of speedweek.

 

 

In more difficulty, he was unable to adapt quickly to a session which requires maximum commitment. « It was a bit confusing, I rode both machines. You have to drive very precisely through all the fast corners, and I wasn't able to do that. The wind also didn't help. Our adjustment allows us to contain tire wear, but the feeling at the limit is not very good, and I have slippage" he asserted.

 

 

Concerning his opponents for the weekend, the eight-time world champion is categorical. His future teammate will be in the mix. « Pecco Bagnaia is two steps ahead of everyone, but Maverick Vinales was very fast too. Behind, it’s tight but I first have to reduce the gap with the front runners” he concluded.

Will Marc Marquez find the solution to play for victory tomorrow and Sunday? Tell us in the comments!

MotoGP Practice result at the 2024 Dutch Grand Prix:

 

 

Classification credit: MotoGP.com

Cover photo: Michelin Motorsport